How to Study the Bible

The word for Bible interpretation is Hermeneutics. Using proper historical context, grammar, and understanding definitions of words is extremely helpful to anyone seeking to understand God’s Word. Bible colleges and some churches offer classes, and now free online classes are becoming available. Check out the Bible Reference Websites and Apologetic Training page. God did not have to reveal Himself to us – He chooses to speak to us through His Word and not allow our own ideas and opinions into the text.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 

2 Timothy 2:15

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

I’ve been reading through the Bible every year for some time now (the last 8 years chronologically), and last year decided to join “Read Scripture”, a reading plan with accompanying links to related free video commentary from “The Bible Project”. It was so helpful that I’m doing it again this year and would highly recommend it to anyone else seeking to understand God’s Word.

ARTICLES:

“3 Simple Steps for Studying the Bible” – from “Bible Study Tools”.

“5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Studying the Bible” – by “Crossway”.

“Basics for How to Study the Bible” – 4 minute video clip by David Mathis for “Desiring God

“Bible interpretation guidelines: Good practice for interpreting Genesis 1–11” – by James (Jim) R. Hughes for “Creation Ministries International” (CMI).

“How to Study the Bible” – by Robert Velarde for “Focus on the Family”.

“Letting the Bible Explain Itself” article by Eric Lyons, M.Min. of “Apologetics Press”.

“The 5 Contexts of Bible Interpretation” – by Steve Shramm.

“What is the proper way to study the Bible?” – answered by “Got Questions“.

BOOKS:

“Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible, Revised and Updated” (This book really influenced m ) – by master teacher, Howard G. Hendricks, whose life was impacted as a troubled preteen by a teacher who believed in him. He went on to write 23 books and teach over 10,000 students at “Dallas Theological Seminary”.

“Living God’s Word: Discovering Our Place in the Great Story of Scripture” – by J. Scott Duvall, pastor/author and J. Daniel Hays, former missionary, and both professors for “Ouachita Baptist University”; both also wrote a book on systematic theology (listed on theology books page).

“Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds” – by Jen Wilkin; “clear and concise plan to help women go deeper in their study of Scripture, this book will equip you to engage God’s Word in a way that trains your mind and transforms your heart”; site founder highly recommends.

DVD BIBLE TEACHING:

“Herman Who?”trailer for DVD by Todd Friel, Bible teacher, former comedian, & founder of “Wretched Radio”; explains how to interpret Scripture (Hermeneutics).

ONLINE BIBLE TEACHING:

The Alexandrian Forum: Discover Jesus in a way that changes how you see everything” – “Spiritual revival comes from reading the Word of God”; offers online free audio Bible classes (Alexandrian Academy), “How to Study the Bible”, “Finding Jesus in the Old Testament”, “Finding Jesus in the New Testament”, devotionals, e-mail newsletter, “Literary Bible Study” pdf download, & more; founded by professor & attorney, Dr. Warren Gage.

“Bible Study Made Easy” trailer for “a step-by-step plan to understanding Scripture” – by founder, Allen Parr, through his online “Let’s Equip Academy”; also offers video teaching through “The BEAT” (see below and on Bible Studies page).

“Biblical Training” – offers free online Bible classes: “Bible Survey, A Big Screen Perspective”, “New Testament Overview”, “Understanding the Old Testament”, , “How to Read Your Bible”, “Bible Study Methods” (how to interpret the Bible), “52 Major Stories of the Bible”, “Essentials of Church History”, and a variety of other great classes for the curious, Bible scholars, or anyone in between.

“How to Study the Bible” – four one-hour video teachings by David Platt, pastor, author, & founder of “Radical”; “Secret Church 3 provides a condensed training course in how to study the Bible”.

“The BEAT” – sample 5 minute video clip, “The Top 5 Verses Christians Take out of Context” online teaching by Allen Parr; offers online Bible commentary video clips and clips on many aspects of the Christian faith. 

“The Bible Project” –  donation-supported site offers free downloadable short videos with animated illustration & commentary; offer “How to Read the Bible Series”; “Word Studies Series” & “Theme Series”; also offer accompanying notes and guide to using videos while reading through the Bible in a year.

“Hermeneutics” sample 30-minute lesson on Bible interpretation – by pastor & Bible teacher, Lindell Mitchell, as part of 21-session online course; from “free online Bible school” – (part of “wvbs Online Video”; also offers other online resources).